I've got a 2001 S60 that I'm doing some work on. I put in new front axles. Every video I watched showed the mechanic removing the soft plug from the axle end before fixing the axle bolt (the axle shaft end is drilled and tapped to accept the axle bolt). And yet that plug apparently holds back grease, whereas the new axle bolts come with what looks like red lock-tight on them.

I had reason to pull the axle bolt after my installation, and when it came out half the threads were loaded with grease. Also, when I unscrewed the bolt it seemed that it had lost torque from when I had installed it.

It seems to me that greasing an axle bolt would be asking for trouble. I guess the wheel wouldn't come off, as it is bolted to the hub assembly, which is bolted to the knuckle. But none of this is adding up for me. Any insight would be much appreciated.

Also, it is true that the axle bolt washer should be greased before installation? Thanks.

 

I have never greased the axle bolt or washer before putting them in. And these bolts should always be replaced when removed as they are torque to yield bolts. Did you torque yours down properly? There is a torque spec and then it needs to be turned a certain degree rotation more.

 

Yes I did. I feel more confident about the situation now. I checked that the axle/hub joint has free end play. I cleaned the axle threads. The new bolt had threadlocker on it, and I added some under the washer, then torqued to spec.